Does anyone recall the suspense film The 39 Steps? Was it a Hitchcock film? In any case, Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria beat that. Try going up and down 133 steps, 66 steps, 34 steps, etc. Yesterday, we saw 2 of his castles: Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Afterwards, my legs felt like quivering spaetzle. Obviously, the “schwann” (English: swan) was a key animal for the Knights of Schwangau. Any way they could use a swan in those castles, they did: art, vases, doorknobs, bed carvings, sink faucets, etc. What I, and my hamstrings, will remember most though, are the steps.
While I was a sport about the high Olympic tower on Sunday, yesterday, I wimped out on the very high and thin bridge overlooking Neuschwanstein. Doug started singing the Winter Warlock’s song, “Put one foot in front of the other …” from that old Christmas TV show. No way, my friends. Doug got some great photos, including a few of himself on the bridge. Who took those photos of Doug? A kindly tourist brave enough to go on the bridge.
From there, we took the train back to Munich and met Astrid and Timo for dinner at the famous Hofbrauhaus. It started out as the king’s official brewery. Lots of noisy tourists and an enthusiasitc oompah band, all dressed in official Bavarian costumes of dirndls (ladies) and lederhosen (men). No schmaltz there!
We are now in Venice, after one long overnight train ride.
The day started out foggy and misty. After meandering somewhat forlornly around the streets dragging our luggage, we found our bednbreakfast. We can’t check in for another 45 mins or so, which is why we are parked at an internet cafe. We both yearn for a shower and a nap and a date with our toothbrushes. No photographic evidence of our current appearance will be provided. Besides, I think I’ve given up on posting photos. I’m too tired to figure out how.
Tonight will be the soccer game in Padova, and I hope to recover somewhat before that.
Ciao!
Christine
Travel Buddies 
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